Once we find reliable vendors with great work ethics it's really hard to try someone else.

We're not allowed to "recommend" but I guess if an inspector was just a little more forthcoming on problems or if a 15 second repair can be accomplished (electrical door on appliance) and they just do it.

I would not switch vendors for a service match. I would only switch for a service upgrade. 

 I am fortunate enough to not have having to sell to agents be my main business. It can be hard, what I noticed when I pitch my course of consulting service is that if you have that one thing that is different and you can show passion you are about half way there. It helps if you have something that helps show results, and makes life better.

Response time and quality are the factors that get you noticed but to switch completely it's got top happen every time.

Michael Thornton None, just as I expect customer/client loyality, I am loyal to my vendors.

For experienced agents with solid relationships, it's almost impossible.  I prefer to get referrals from others whom I trust than to rely on any marketing when it comes to vendors.  With newer agents, though, perhaps some kind of perk for their clients, like a homebuyers guide to common repairs (you can tell I have no idea of what that guide should contain, right?) or something like that may get them to contact you.  

it's a difficult task to make us switch...when we find the right person to use and that person performs well consistently, we are like glue....

Getting people to SWITCH is challenging.  Getting new agents who are not dedicated to a person is much easier, so I might try that.

For your type of role, I would think that face to face is really the best way.  and/or have a happy realtor recommend you to other realtors.

One that is set, is generally not going to change unless they are mad/disappointed w/ current one.  It's just too much of a risk for them.